Why do i feel like somebody's watching me

1. Why Do I Feel Like Somebody’s
Watching Me?
Spyware is one of the fastest-growing internet threats. According to the
National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs
today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to silently
bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without the user’s knowledge.
Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the system’s
performance while gathering your personal information. Fortunately,
unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.
Where does it come from?
Typically, spyware originates in three ways. The first and most common
way is when the user installs it. In this scenario, spyware is embedded,
attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the
user’s knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer.
Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the
spyware author’s personal use or to sell to a third-party. Beware of many
P2P file-sharing programs. They are notorious for downloads that posses
spyware programs.
The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the
accompanying licensing agreement. Often the software publisher will warn
the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested
program. Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine
print. Some agreements may provide special “opt-out” boxes that the user
can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure
to review the document before signing off on the download.
Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into
manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted
installations. The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to
allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has
to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove
deceptive. For example, a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows
dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you
would like to optimize your internet access. It provides yes or no answer
buttons, but, no matter which button you push, a download containing the

2. spyware program will commence. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are
now making this spyware pathway a little more difficult.
Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security
holes in the Web browser or other software. When the user navigates a
webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed
to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program.
What can spyware programs do?
Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of
their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can become downright
aggressive in nature.
Spyware can:
1. Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
2. Scan files located on your hard drive.
3. Snoop through applications on our desktop.
4. Install other spyware programs into your computer.
5. Read your cookies.
6. Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal
information.
7. Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
8. Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more
difficult to eradicate.
9. Cause your computer to run slower.
10. Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
11. Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get
paid. Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that
changed the original affiliate’s settings.
12. Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in
unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult
to remove.
Spyware Examples
Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note
that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may
not match the names the spyware-writers use.

3. CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through “holes” found
in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on
Web sites including coolwebsearch.com. This spyware nuisance displays
pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file
to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites.
Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer
error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or
enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.
180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web
sites which you visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate
advertisements linked from a Web site. Therefore the 180 Solutions
Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements
they’ve altered.
HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by
Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at
affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware
programs. It’s a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware.
These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing
behavior, and display advertisements.
How can I prevent spyware?
There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting
your computer system. First, invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware
program. There are several currently on the market including stand alone
software packages such as Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware or Windows Antispyware.
Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of an anti-virus
package. This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos,
Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by
providing real-time protection, scanning, and removal of any found
spyware software. As with most programs, update your anti virus software
frequently.
As discussed, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the
spyware problem because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its
functionality. Spyware enjoys penetrating the IE’s weaknesses. Because of
this, many users have switched to non-IE browsers. However, if you prefer
to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the security patches
regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources. This will
help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration.
.

4. And, when all else fails?
Finally, if your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware
programs, the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and
performing a complete reinstall of the operating system.
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